Hodge focused on precision, practice

Brad Hodge remained unbeaten on a blitzkrieg 52 off just 23 deliveries and helped Rajasthan seal a 4 wicket win over Otago in Jaipur. The former Australian batsman stated that finishing off a match was a skill which required a bit of calculation and a calm head. "Finishing off the match needs a bit of calculation and a calm head. It needs a bit of luck and I look to see where the boundary is," said Hodge.

Rajasthan had been given a fantastic start and looked set to sail past the Otago total before James Neesham and Neil Wagner picked up wickets in a heap to reduce the home team to 72/4 in the 13th over. That brought in Brad Hodge who along with Ajinkya Rahane weathered the storm and then changed gear and tore into the Otago bowlers. He added that his partner, Rahane gave him the license to go after the bowling. "We were cruising and we let Otago into the game. We bat well and that gives us confidence. We need to improve in some areas. It needs practice to target which bowler. Rahane told me to go for it," added Hodge.

Hodge received accolades from former Australian teammate, Shane Watson. "I do not know how he does it. To be able to do what he does and so consistently coming down at number 5 or 6 is not easy. Very few can actually do it successfully," stated Watson.

Rahul Shukla had set up the match for Rajasthan with his splendid opening over - the fourth of the innings. He broke the backbone of the Rajasthan top-order getting rid of Hamish Rutherford, Brendon McCullum and Derek de Boorder off successive alternate deliveries. "My plan was to bowl well and I was relaxed. The captain always backs me. I am very happy to be in the team," said a shy but buoyant Shukla after receiving the man of the match award at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Rajasthan skipper, Rahul Dravid was all praise for Brad Hodge. He said that it was remarkable how the Australian soaked up the pressure and pulled off such cameos time and again. He further added that there was no need to move Hodge higher up the order as his services were needed at number 6. "It got nerve wracking in the end. It was a fantastic innings from Hodge. When Hodge bats like that lower down we don't need to change the batting order," quoted Dravid.

Dravid said that there was a good camaraderie in the team and every member was assigned a specific task and role. "There is a good environment in the team. They know their roles well. It is about giving the youngsters the confidence they need," stated Dravid.

Rajasthan have topped Group A winning all their four matches and ensured that they play their semi-finals at home on the 4th of October. "The winning streak is not important but hopefully we can keep it going for one more game. We love to play in Jaipur. The crowd always supports us," added Dravid.

A disappointed Otago skipper, Brendon McCullum stated that the top-order let them down. He had a word of praise for Rahul Shukla who jolted them with a triple strike in the 4th over of the innings. "Our top order did not do the job. Rahul Shukla surprised us all. He has good pace and he swung the ball," stated McCullum.

He added that the lower-middle order (Ryan ten Doeschate, James Neesham, Nathan McCullum and Ian Butler all chipped in) had given them a fighting total and then the bowlers gave them a shot at defending it but the innings from Brad Hodge took the game away from Otago. "We came back well with the bat and the ball later on. Hodge played a brilliant innings and he took the game away from us," said McCullum.

Otago can still qualify for the semi-finals but their fate will depend upon the match between Mumbai and Perth in Delhi tomorrow. A win for Perth would ensure that Otago qualifies for the semis. Even if Perth does not win, Otago would hope they are not beaten by a big margin. "What happens tomorrow will happen and I am proud of the efforts put in by this team," added McCullum.

Sachin Tendulkar bid farewell to Mumbai after his side gave him a fitting tribute by beating Rajasthan in the final of the World T20 League in New Delhi. The little master hinted at a future role with the Mumbai franchise.

Pravin Tambe impressed one and all with his stupendous performance in the World T20 League, ending the tournament with the Golden Wicket (The leading wicket-taker of the League). He defied all odds and his age and bamboozled the opposition batsmen with his guile and spin.